Securing the 2012 Olympics
Adam Wiseberg, Chairman of Mirasys, past Chairman of the BSIA and UK Principal Expert to ISO and Cenelec on CCTV, provides insight on how the latest technologies can be utilised to ensure the London 2012 Olympics are safe and secure
Since the horrific scenes witnessed in Munich in 1972 a cloud of terror has hung over the Olympics. In 1996, the ease with which a pipe bomb was placed at the main Olympics Town Square in Atlanta, highlighted the constant challenges faced in trying to secure the greatest sporting event on earth. With just over two years to go, how will technological advances affect the way in which we are able to provide security for the London Olympics?
Cutting edge technologies such as high-definition CCTV, complex video analytics, facial recognition, biometrics and comprehensively integrated systems are all in the running to make 2012 the most secure Olympic Games to date. These state-of-the-art technologies can ensure the safety of people and places against the threat of targeted terrorist activities, unruly crowd behaviour, theft and other security threats.
Adam Wiseberg, Chairman of Mirasys, past Chairman of the BSIA and UK Principal Expert to ISO and Cenelec on CCTV provides insight in to how the latest technologies can be utilised to ensure the London 2012 Olympics are safe and secure.
Although widely adopted in countries such as Scandinavia, Germany and the US, High-Definition (HD) CCTV has only just become broadly implemented by mainstream UK CCTV. Image quality is key; and supporting the ability to apply forensic research, such as digital enhancement of high resolution images, leads to higher quality evidence. Securing events, however, revolves around acquiring live images simultaneously assessed by multiple users. This means high frame-rate cameras with optical (rather than digital) zoom and the ability to support a multicast architecture are required. Few megapixel cameras on the market support these necessary requirements, but they are a must for any important event. In environments where live viewing is not essential, such as in public areas, retail environments, parking facilities and transport systems, HD cameras also play a central role providing clear images for post-event analyses and suspect/incident identification.
When it comes to video analytics, HD cameras are important for providing the necessary data required to perform intelligent analyses that run complex algorithms. The latest systems have integrated edge analytics within the camera, reducing the amount of data transmitted and back-end processing. Perimeter breach detection, identification of stationary items, people counting and behaviour detection can be readily analysed with the latest in video analytics.
On the biometrics front, facial recognition is emerging as a realistic option for security systems. This technology is particularly useful for access control processing. Although some facial recognition systems are only 40% accurate, increased investment in this technology for border control applications is contributing to improved efficiency. Accuracy is also dramatically enhanced when facial recognition software is combined with other biometrics including finger print and iris readers, already proven as highly effective. Combining these systems with effective physical security and a fail-safe card system will ensure high security areas, such as the Olympic Village, can be effectively protected.
Ultimately, however, it is the integration of the individual technologies that enables optimal security system performance. Often system failures simply result from basic integration problems. With IP technologies and open interface protocols, integrating the latest system components can provide a comprehensive security solution. A critical assessment of the components to be integrated is the first step, followed by the amount of information to be transmitted. Flexibility within the systems is equally important should additional components need to be added at a later date. When looking at integration it is important to choose between effective, best-of-breed solutions for each discipline and single vendors offering a one-stop-shop.
As with any solution, the key to success is a combination of available security technologies deployed in accordance with a clearly defined co-ordinated plan. Ensuring budgets and expectations are set correctly is critical, as attempts to cut costs and delay decision often result in substandard systems.
The most important advice when setting up a system based on cutting-edge technologies is to allow for as much trialling time as possible. Ensuring effective training of users and support staff will be essential for successful deployment. With such advanced technologies, teething problems have to be anticipated and overcome far in advance of their live use.
